Post Balakot, Army war-gamed deep strike scenarios across Pak border

Immediately after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes at Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019, the Indian Army initiated a fresh round of strategic planning to explore possible scenarios in the event of a deep land strike or a tactical operation to capture territory across the western border.

The Balakot airstrikes, in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack, set a new threshold for non-nuclear military response by India. Within 24 hours of the strike, the Indian and Pakistani air forces engaged in a brief aerial duel. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured after his aircraft was shot down in Pakistani territory, though the skirmish ended soon after.

This non-nuclear threshold, coupled with rapid technological advancements, prompted the Army to develop fresh tactical and operational ideas, sources said.

Naval warship test-fires surface-to-air missile

The Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Surat successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile. The missile has a range of 70 km. “This achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Navy’s defence capabilities,” the Navy said. pti

The Army’s three regional commands — Northern Command (Udhampur), Western Command (Chandimandir) and South Western Command (Jaipur) — tasked with countering Pakistan, have since war-gamed multiple scenarios. Each of these has been validated on the ground through exercises, with planners assessing likely Pakistani responses, sources added.

War-gaming is an ongoing process, updated constantly in light of evolving technologies and adversary capabilities. The growing role of drones, loitering munitions and long-range missiles — seen in conflicts like Ukraine-Russia and in West Asia — has reshaped how future wars could unfold.

Each scenario developed by the Army outlines actionable military options for the government, calibrated for different levels of escalation. These include decisions on the type of firepower — whether close-range (800 to 1,500 m) engagements or long-range strikes using artillery, rockets, or precision missiles like the BrahMos.

The aim, officials said, is to develop responses that can neutralise threats without allowing the adversary to expand the conflict zone. “The Army’s plans are ready,” said an official.

J & K